You'll buying into a system. Look at the whole picture and if you like it - financially too - give it a try. You also have to like the ergonomics so a trip to a camera store could be helpful but I think one can be used to either of those in a few days. (including menu systems). I shot with Canon/Nikon/Oly no big deal. However the best would be some real life experience: Rent them for a weekend.

The other thing... and you might not going to like this angle If you go to a page like 500pc youpick fotozz.hu photoshop.com viewbug.com etc. etc.. You'll see a load of amazing images and without the info next to them (with a small exception) I doubt anyone could tell what cam/lens they used. Both of those are great and you can use them for pretty much any type of photography.

So bottom line is that it's YOU behind the camera that will make those great images.

Either will work just perfect. Tough call.I was about to say file management and post will be faster on 5d3 but I realized that D800 has a lower file size RAW.

Am glad you are researching it properly. Your 50+ hours are not wasted as in the process you must have learned a lot about photography and the cameras. So when you buy one you would already know its features.

How about the 6D with the 24-70 f4L IS? That would then leave you with a fair quantity of cash left over for an additional lens, say 135L or the 70-200 f4L IS and a flash. Image stabilization is more useful than wide apertures for low light IMO. I reckon f4 is perfect for portraits.

Does the 6D have the wee pop up flash with built in an wireless transmitter like the 7D? That would also come in handy if you bought a flash, then you can do cheap off camera flash without the need for triggers. Limited range but great for startin out!

Update - yeah the 6D doesn't have a built in flash so scratch that last bit!

Why I use Canon?Well, in my case, there was very big point to get local service.And Nikon had/has none. Maybe better now, but still...And choosing today, it'd still be Canon.At least things here in Estonia are this way.Maybe this is not a problem in major market countries.My 2€